Free STD Testing

Free STD Testing

Sexually transmitted disease infection rates continue to rise in Polk County. The most recent reports released by the Centers for Disease Control show that all age groups continue to be at risk for contracting a sexually transmitted disease.

At Options for Women, we realize the importance of STD testing, and we are proud to offer FREE STD testing to anyone in the community who is seeking it. While our primary purpose is serving as a pregnancy help clinic for women facing unplanned pregnancies, women and men of all ages can come to our clinics in Bartow or Lakeland, or at our satellite clinic at The DREAM Center, to receive FREE limited panel STD testing.

Sexually active people ages 15-24 contract nearly half of all newly diagnosed STDs, so it is especially important that people in this age group seek out testing. In 2016, sexually active 15-24-year-olds represented 63% of all reported Chlamydia cases in the United States. And the rates of gonorrhea infections continue to rise in this age group, as well.

But why do younger people have such a higher infection rate? There are several reasons that may contribute to it. First, many young people often lack transportation to testing facilities and then lack the funds needed to pay for these tests. It may also be difficult to schedule appointments around school and work schedules. Additionally, many fear a lack of confidentiality and may be embarrassed to seek out treatment.

But untreated STDs can have serious health effects, and can negatively affect a patient’s reproductive health. That’s why Options for Women offers three locations for patients to seek out STD testing regularly and also offers on-campus testing on college campuses throughout the school year. Testing is free and confidential, for both men and women.